New York Laws – The Legislative Process

A law is a set of rules that determines the rights and obligations of persons, institutions and organizations in society. New York law includes the Constitution, laws passed by the State legislature and periodically codified in the New York Consolidated Laws, and decisions by courts that interpret New York law.

The legislative process starts with an idea for a policy change. This may come from a senator’s constituents, an organization calling for a new law, or a member of the public. Once the policy change has been selected, it must be drafted as a bill before being considered by the Senate. The drafters of bills are attorneys with specialized legal training. Bill drafting is a complex task that involves researching and writing the legal language of the bill.

The Governor has 10 days to sign or veto bills that have been passed by both houses of the Legislature. Signed bills become law; vetoed bills do not. A veto can be overturned by two-thirds of the members of each house voting to do so. To view the most recent changes in law, including the laws that DCWP enforces and regulations it promulgates, visit Laws of New York City (Public Access Portal) and NYC Rules.